Bacon and Tomato Cups: A Savory Delight for Breakfast, Brunch, or Snacking

Are you searching for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, a light lunch, or even a party appetizer? Look no further than these delightful Bacon and Tomato Cups! These little bites of heaven combine the smoky, salty goodness of bacon with the juicy, fresh tang of tomatoes, all nestled in a crispy, flaky pastry cup. They’re incredibly versatile, easily customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to make these irresistible cups, along with variations, serving suggestions, and tips to ensure perfect results every time.

## Why You’ll Love These Bacon and Tomato Cups

* **Simple and Quick:** With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cups come together in no time. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and flaky pastry is a symphony of textures and tastes.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your preferences. Add cheese, herbs, spices, or other vegetables for a personalized touch.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These cups look beautiful and inviting, making them perfect for entertaining.
* **Portable:** Easy to transport, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or on-the-go snacks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the cups ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:

* **Bacon:** 1 pound, sliced.
* **Tomatoes:** 2 medium, diced (Roma or cherry tomatoes work well).
* **Refrigerated Pie Crust:** 1 box (usually contains two crusts).
* **Eggs:** 2 large.
* **Milk or Cream:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere), chopped fresh herbs (basil, chives, parsley), garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Muffin Tin:** A standard 12-cup muffin tin.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the bacon.
* **Cutting Board:** For dicing the tomatoes.
* **Knife:** For dicing the tomatoes and cutting the pie crust.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For whisking the eggs and milk.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the eggs and milk.
* **Measuring Spoons:** For measuring salt, pepper, and optional spices.
* **Oven:** For baking the cups.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Bacon and Tomato Cups:

### Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, turning occasionally.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
4. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

### Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Wash and dry the tomatoes.
2. Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, simply halve or quarter them.
3. Place the diced tomatoes in a bowl. If they seem particularly watery, you can gently pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent the cups from becoming soggy.

### Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
3. Unroll one of the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
4. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the pie crust into 6 equal squares. You can also use a round cookie cutter that is slightly larger than the muffin tin cavities to make neat circles.
5. Gently press each square or circle of pie crust into a muffin tin cavity, ensuring it lines the bottom and sides evenly. Repeat with the second pie crust.

### Step 4: Assemble the Cups

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide the crumbled bacon evenly among the pie crust-lined muffin tin cavities.
3. Sprinkle the diced tomatoes over the bacon in each cup.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and tomatoes, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
5. If using any optional add-ins, such as shredded cheese or herbs, sprinkle them on top of the egg mixture.

### Step 5: Bake the Cups

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
3. To ensure even baking, you can rotate the muffin tin halfway through the baking time.

### Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool in the tin for a few minutes.
2. Gently loosen the edges of the cups with a knife or spatula.
3. Carefully remove the Bacon and Tomato Cups from the muffin tin and place them on a serving plate.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Bacon and Tomato Cups

* **Don’t Overcook the Bacon:** Cook the bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. Burnt bacon will have a bitter taste that will affect the overall flavor of the cups.
* **Drain the Tomatoes Well:** Excess moisture from the tomatoes can make the pie crust soggy. If your tomatoes are particularly juicy, drain them in a colander or pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the cups.
* **Use Good Quality Pie Crust:** The pie crust is the foundation of these cups, so choose a good quality brand or make your own from scratch for the best results.
* **Don’t Overfill the Cups:** Overfilling the cups can cause the egg mixture to spill over during baking, making a mess and potentially burning on the bottom of the oven.
* **Monitor the Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the cups and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let the Cups Cool Slightly:** Letting the cups cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin will prevent them from falling apart.
* **Use a Non-Stick Muffin Tin:** A non-stick muffin tin will make it easier to remove the cups without sticking.
* **Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional):** For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the fillings. This will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

## Variations and Add-ins

These Bacon and Tomato Cups are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:

* **Cheese:** Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
* **Herbs:** Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, chives, parsley, or oregano on top for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or paprika for extra flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Add diced onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a boost of nutrients and flavor.
* **Meat:** Substitute bacon with sausage, ham, or ground beef for a different meat flavor.
* **Spicy:** Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
* **Mediterranean:** Add feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, for a vegetarian option.

## Serving Suggestions

These Bacon and Tomato Cups can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve them as part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread, alongside other dishes like scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles.
* **Light Lunch:** Enjoy them as a light and satisfying lunch with a side salad or soup.
* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a delicious and visually appealing appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* **Snack:** Pack them as a convenient and portable snack for on-the-go.
* **Garnish:** Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added flavor and presentation.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These Bacon and Tomato Cups can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the pie crust and fillings as instructed.
2. Assemble the cups in the muffin tin.
3. Cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the cups for 25-30 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Bacon and Tomato Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on a single cup, without added cheese or extra ingredients. Please note this is an estimate and can vary)

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 10-15g
* Protein: 5-8g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

## Conclusion

Bacon and Tomato Cups are a delightful and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable nature, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these savory little bites of deliciousness! They’re truly a culinary experience in a convenient, handheld package.

Enjoy your baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!